Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer – Should Barcelona pay the huge release clause?: Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Barcelona manager Hansi Flick wants to sign Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
• The Georgian has a €130 million release clause.
• Kvaratskhelia is said to want to lower that figure to entice a move away.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (4/5): Gazzetta a top source for Italian news

Could the man nicknamed “Kvaradona” be about to make the reverse move made in the late-1980's by Diego Maradona, by leaving Napoli to join Barcelona?

That potential move is being reported by Spanish site sport.es, who in turn were reporting on the news which broke in leading Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. No one is more “in the know” for Italian news than the pink paper, and the story being picked up in Spain suggests some truth.

Value (3/5): Huge asking price, but there could be wiggle room

The main stumbling block facing Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is that the skilful left winger has a huge €130 million release clause written into his current deal, which runs out in 2027.

Seven goal involvements in 12 Serie A matches this season suggest the flying Georgian is back to the form he showed when Napoli won the title in 2023, but a less productive 2023/24 season makes that price look astronomical.

The good news for Barcelona, is that Kvaratskhelia is said to be looking to renegotiate, with €80 million -his current market value – the supposed new release clause.

Suitability (5/5): Khvicha fits the Flick system

Whether Flick continues with his 4-2-3-1 formation, or at any time reverts to the traditional 4-3-3 that Barça have used for decades, Kvaratskhelia will have no issue playing in his favoured position, terrorising defenders and having the freedom of the left side of the reopened Camp Nou.

Upgrade (4/5): Left-wing not the strongest area at FCB

While Lamine Yamal could have the right-wing position at Barcelona under lock and key for another 15 years, the left-wing is looking a little shaky.

They have one strong option in Raphinha, who is under contract until 2027, but apart from him, the only “option” is the perennially-injured Ansu Fati. No wonder Flick is looking at the 23-year-old Georgian.

Logic (4.5/5): Right time for an upgrade

With one Serie A title under his belt already and a good chance of winning a second this season, “Kvaradona” could walk away with his head held high in the summer.

24 in February, he will want to move to a super club and having dealt with life as a Napoli player, he could certainly deal with the pressure in Catalonia – even if he is known to be a Real Madrid fan!

Whisper+ verdict: 20.5/25

On the pitch, this deal looks perfect for Barcelona – a long-term solution for their left hand side who wins things and takes the pressure of Naples and being his nation's star in his stride.

€130 million is a very high price for a player who can go through cold spells, but if Khvicha can knock that down to under €100 million, then Barcelona have the chance to do some great business.